Metering dispenser for flowable compositions

ABSTRACT

Described are metering dispensers having a body configured to hold a flowable composition in a chamber, a drive screw coupled to the body, and a plunger threadingly coupled to the drive screw. The plunger includes at least two annular lips that form a fluid seal with the chamber as the plunger travels along the drive screw through the chamber. A base is rotationally coupled to the body with a cam that contacts at least one tab extending externally from the body so that the tab enters at least one low point on the cam by traveling over a trailing edge of the low point, and the trailing edge then prevents the tab from exiting the low point in the direction of the trailing edge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/399,978, filed on Apr. 30, 2019 and titled METERING DISPENSER FORFLOWABLE COMPOSITIONS, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,919,073, which isa continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/328,401, filed on Jan.23, 2017 and titled METERING DISPENSER FOR FLOWABLE COMPOSITIONS, nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,322,433, which is the U.S. National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2015/055814, filed on Oct. 15, 2015and titled METERING DISPENSER FOR FLOWABLE COMPOSITIONS, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/064,259, filed Oct.15, 2014 and titled METERING DISPENSER FOR FLOWABLE COMPOSITIONS, all ofwhich are herein incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to dispensers for flowablecompositions, and more particularly, to a dispenser having a rotatablehousing which causes a floor member to rise and urge a predeterminedamount of flowable composition through an opening in a cap.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, topically administered medicine was often formulated asliquids. Applying a liquid to a skin surface often resulted in a portionof the dose spreading beyond the target area. Cream-based formulationswere developed as viscous liquids to prevent the unintended applicationof the medicine to an unaffected area. More recently, pharmacists havebeen taking traditional medicines and “compounding” them in a creambase.

Administering the cream-based medicines is a challenge because providingan accurate measured dose is not easy. One common form of a dispenser isa traditional hypodermic syringe, without the needle. The user candepress the plunger to force an amount of cream out of the barrel asindicated by markings on the side of the barrel. For older patients, itis not always easy to measure out 0.1 ml or so of medicine, as this mayrequire more dexterity than is available.

Recent improvements have been made to develop a more accurate method ofmetering creams, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,994.Specifically, the improvements comprise a metering system that uses aplunger to express an accurate dosage from a chamber by relying on aspecified number of turns of a drive screw to advance the plunger anddeliver a known amount of medicine. The metering system provides anaudible sound when a unit or “click” has been delivered.

To ensure that the dispenser provides an accurate dosage, the patientshould be consistently alerted to stop rotation of the drive screw atthe appropriate location, and the amount of medicine that is pushedthrough a dispensing end should not vary due to leaks or fluctuation inthe movement of the plunger.

In certain cases, particularly when there is not a perfectly tight fitbetween the plunger and the walls of the chamber, the plunger may turnslightly within the chamber when the drive screw turns, which may allowsmall gaps to form between the plunger and the chamber. As a result, thecream may squeeze down through the small gaps rather than exitingthrough the dispensing end of the chamber, which could result inmetering inaccuracies. Because of the potential for possible leaks withcream-based medicines, this design may not be practical for use withcertain liquids or fluids that would have a higher tendency to leak orspill.

In some embodiments, the coupling between the drive screw and thechamber may have some elasticity when the drive screw is retained withinthe chamber through the use of internally directed tapering fingers,which allows the chamber to be pushed up slightly relative to the drivescrew when the base is rotated. This slight shift may cause less thanthe full dosage to be dispensed, which could also lead to meteringinaccuracies.

Also, in many cases, the patient is relying on an audible sound toconfirm that the dosage is complete. In certain instances, the clickmechanism may lose elasticity if left in a “mid-click” position. Inthose cases, it may take some time for the click mechanism to regain itselasticity and until it does, there may not be an audible clickresponse, which could also potentially lead to metering inaccuracies.

As a result, it may be desirable to provide a metered dispenser thatforms a fluid seal for a variety of compositions, including viscousliquids or other fluids with a positive viscosity, which also includes aclick mechanism that is not affected when the dispenser is left in a“mid-click” position.

SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “thepresent invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly toall of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below.Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit thesubject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of thepatent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patentare defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is ahigh-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introducessome of the concepts that are further described in the DetailedDescription section below. This summary is not intended to identify keyor essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intendedto be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The subject matter should be understood by reference toappropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any orall drawings and each claim.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a meteringdispenser comprises a body comprising an inner wall, a first end, and asecond end, wherein the inner wall defines a chamber having across-sectional shape that varies along a longitudinal draft andconfigured to hold a flowable composition, a drive screw coupled to thesecond end of the body, wherein the drive screw comprises an elongatedshaft having at least one external thread, wherein the elongated shaftis arranged to extend substantially along a length of the chamber, and aplunger comprising a plunger cross-sectional shape, wherein the plungeris positioned within the chamber and is coupled to the elongated shaftof the drive screw so that the plunger travels along the elongated shaftthrough the chamber when the drive screw is rotated, wherein the plungercomprises at least two annular lips for contact with the inner wall,wherein at least one annular lip of the at least two annular lips isconfigured to flex in a direction toward the first end of the body sothat the plunger forms a fluid seal with the inner wall of the chamberas the plunger travels along the elongated shaft through the chamber.

In certain embodiments, the plunger cross-sectional shape is not roundand/or the plunger cross-sectional shape is oval. The second annular lipof the at least two annular lips may be configured to flex in adirection toward the second end of the body. In some embodiments, anO-ring is mounted on the plunger for contact with the inner wall.

In certain embodiments, the at least two annular lips are configured tomaintain the fluid seal over variations of 0.01% to 25% incross-sectional area along the longitudinal draft of the chamber.

The at least two annular lips may be configured to maintain the fluidseal for any composition having a positive viscosity. In someembodiments, a third annular lip of the at least two annular lips ispositioned between a first annular lip and a second annular lip the atleast two annular lips, wherein the third annular lip is configured tobe arranged substantially perpendicular to the inner wall of the chamberas the plunger travels along the elongated shaft through the chamber.

In some embodiments, at least one anchor is positioned to prevent radialmovement of the plunger relative to the inner wall of the chamber.

In certain embodiments, the metering dispense further comprises a baseand at least one projection on one of the base or the body forengagement with a contact surface on the other of the body and base tocause the rotational forces necessary to rotate the base relative to thebody to vary depending on the relative rotational position of the baserelative to the body. The engagement between the projection and contactsurface may result in home positions at predetermined angular positions.The engagement between the projection and contact surface may furtherresist rotation in a first direction and facilitates rotation in anopposite direction.

In some embodiments, the metering dispenser further comprises a baserotationally coupled to the second end of the body, wherein the forcerequired to rotate the base and body relative to each other varies toprovide tactile feedback to a user.

In some embodiments, the metering dispenser further comprises a baserotationally coupled to the second end of the body, wherein rotation ofthe base and body relative to each other provides audible feedback whenat least one relative position is reached.

According to certain embodiments, a base is rotationally coupled to thesecond end of the body, wherein one of the base and the second end ofthe body comprises a cam comprising at least one low point having atrailing edge. The cam may be asymmetrical around a longitudinal axis ofthe metering dispenser. In some embodiments, the base comprises the cam.

In these embodiments, the cam is configured to contact at least one tabextending from the other of the cam and the second end of the body sothat the at least one tab enters the at least one low point by travelingover the trailing edge, wherein the trailing edge is configured toprevent the at least one tab from exiting the at least one low point inthe direction of the trailing edge. The at least one tab may extend fromthe second end of the body.

The cam may further comprise at least one cam lobe configured to induceradial bending of the at least one tab when the at least one tab travelsover the at least one cam lobe. In these embodiments, the at least onetab may produce an audible sound when the at least one tab travels fromthe at least one cam lobe to the at least one low point on the cam.

In various embodiments, the metering dispenser may further comprise achild resistant receptacle. The child resistant receptacle may comprisea sidewall that substantially surrounds the metering dispenser and apair of lips that extend below the metering dispenser. The childresistant receptacle may be positionable proximate the base to makerotation of the base at least difficult. The child resistant receptaclemay be difficult for a typical child to remove. The child resistantreceptacle may surround the base and require compression at apredetermined position to release the child resistant receptacle fromthe base. The child resistant receptacle may comprise a sidewall thatsubstantially surrounds the base and at least a portion of a cap on thebody, thereby resisting (1) rotation of the base relative to the bodyand (2) removal of the base.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a meteringdispenser comprises a body comprising an inner wall, a first end, and asecond end comprising a body plate, wherein the inner wall defines achamber, and a drive screw comprising an elongated shaft extending froma first side of a screw plate and a cog positioned at a second end ofthe coupling body, wherein the drive screw is positioned within thechamber so that the elongated shaft is arranged to extend substantiallythrough the chamber and the second side of the screw plate is positionedadjacent an inner side of the body plate, wherein the coupling body andthe cog extend from the second side of the screw plate through anaperture in the body plate, wherein a plurality of tapering fingers arepositioned around a lip of the aperture in the body plate and arrangedso that at least one of the plurality of tapering fingers is arrangedalong the coupling body so that a tip of the at least one of theplurality of tapering fingers contacts a lip of the cog, and wherein thepositioning of the screw plate adjacent the inner side of the body plateprevents further movement of the drive screw in a direction of thesecond end of the body.

In certain embodiments, the radial engagement structure comprises atleast one tapering finger positioned to contact an annular lip on thedrive screw. The at least one tapering finger may comprise a pluralityof tapering fingers positioned to extend generally along the drive screwto contact the lip of the drive screw. The metering dispenser mayfurther comprise a coupler for rotational engagement with the base,which comprises at least one spline for engagement with at least onegroove in the base.

In some embodiments, the plurality of tapering fingers provideresistance to further movement of the drive screw in a direction of thefirst end of the body.

According to certain embodiments, a base is rotationally coupled to thesecond end of the body, wherein the base comprises a bushingcircumferentially coupled to the cog of the drive screw. The bushing maybe configured to longitudinally travel along a length of the cog. Insome embodiments, a cam is arranged around a circumferential outersurface of the bushing, wherein the cam comprises at least one low pointhaving a trailing edge. In certain embodiments, the cam is configured tocontact at least one tab extending from an external side of the bodyplate.

In some embodiments, the cam further comprises at least one cam lobeconfigured to induce radial bending of the at least one tab when the atleast one tab travels over the at least one cam lobe. In theseembodiments, the contact between at least one tab and cam may produce anaudible sound when the at least one tab travels from the at least onecam lobe to the at least one low point on the cam.

In various embodiments, the metering dispenser may further comprise achild resistant lock comprising a sidewall that substantially surroundsthe metering dispenser and a pair of lips that extend below the meteringdispenser.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a meteringdispenser comprises a body comprising a first end and a second endcomprising a body plate, the body plate comprising at least one tab andat least one projection, and a base rotationally coupled to the secondend of the body, wherein the base comprises a cam and at least oneprotrusion, the cam comprising at least one low point having a trailingedge, wherein the at least one low point on the cam and the at least oneprotrusion are arranged so that the at least one protrusion contacts theat least one projection producing an audible sound when the protrusionpasses over the at least one projection, and wherein the cam isconfigured to contact the at least one tab so that the at least one tabenters the at least one low point by traveling over the trailing edge,wherein the trailing edge is configured to prevent the at least one tabfrom exiting the at least one low point in the direction of the trailingedge.

In certain embodiments, the cam further comprises at least one cam lobeconfigured to induce radial bending of the at least one tab when the atleast one tab travels over the at least one cam lobe. In theseembodiments, the at least one tab may produce an additional audiblesound when the at least one tab travels from the at least one cam lobeto the at least one low point on the cam.

In various embodiments, the metering dispenser may further comprise achild resistant lock comprising a sidewall that substantially surroundsthe metering dispenser and a pair of lips that extend below the meteringdispenser.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a meteringdispenser comprises a body comprising an inner wall, a first end, and asecond end, wherein the inner wall defines a chamber configured to holda flowable composition, and wherein the first end of the body comprisesan aperture that provides access to the chamber, an administering toolcoupled to the first end of the body proximate the aperture, wherein theadministering tool comprises at least one hole therethrough, and aplunger slidingly coupled to the inner wall of the chamber, wherein theplunger comprises a top surface arranged so as to mate with thereinforcing ribs when the plunger is positioned proximate the innersurface of the administering tool.

In some embodiments, the administering tool further comprises a threadednozzle arranged proximate the at least one hole. The administering toolmay also comprise a restrictor plate that is configured to reduce a sizeof the opening of the at least one hole. In some embodiments, a topsurface of the administering tool further comprises a plurality ofprotrusions.

In various embodiments, the metering dispenser may further comprise achild resistant receptacle. The child resistant receptacle may comprisea sidewall that substantially surrounds portions of the meteringdispenser and a pair of lips that extend below the metering dispenser.The child resistant receptacle may be configured, when positioned tosubstantially surround the body, to prevent removal of the meteringdispenser from the child resistant receptacle. The child resistantreceptacle may further comprise a pair of lips that extend below thebase to resist removal of the child resistant receptacle. In certainembodiments, the child resistant receptacle comprises a lower portionhaving locking tabs that engage a cap to prevent removal of the cap.

In certain embodiments, the body comprises acetal resin, polypropylene,polycarbonate, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or amixture thereof.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a meteringdispenser comprises a body comprising an inner wall, a first end, and asecond end comprising a body plate comprising engagement structure,wherein the inner wall defines a chamber, a plunger positionable in thechamber, a base, and a drive screw comprising an elongated threadedshaft threaded through the plunger, two ends, and on one of the twoends, a coupler for rotational engagement with the base, and radialengagement structure for engagement with the body plate to limitrelative radial movement, wherein the drive screw is positionable withinthe chamber to drive the plunger through the chamber when the drivescrew is rotated.

In certain embodiments, the drive screw comprises mechanically fusedthreads on an opposing one of the two ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a metering dispenser, according tocertain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an inverted perspective view of a body of the meteringdispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the body of FIG. 2 with certaindetails of a body plate removed for clarity.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a chamber formed inside the body of FIG.2.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the body of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a base of the metering dispenser of FIG.1.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the base of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a drive screw of the metering dispenserof FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the drive screw of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drive screw of FIG. 9 combined withthe body of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a partially transparent front view of the drive screw of FIG.9 combined with the body of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a partially transparent front view of the drive screw of FIG.9 combined with the body of FIG. 2 and the base of FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the drive screw of FIG. 9 combined withthe base of FIG. 6.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view a plunger of the metering dispenser ofFIG. 1 combined with the drive screw of FIG. 9 and the base of FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the plunger of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17A is a front view of the plunger of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17B is a front view of the plunger of FIG. 15 with an O-Ring.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the plunger of FIG. 15.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are top views of the plunger of FIG. 15 positionedinside the chamber of FIG. 4 before and after a turning force is appliedto the plunger.

FIG. 19C is a top view of the plunger of FIG. 15 positioned inside thechamber of FIG. 4 with anchors to prevent rotation of the plunger withinthe chamber.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the metering dispenser of FIG. 1 with acap removed so that an administering tool is visible.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the administering tool of FIG. 20combined with the drive screw of FIG. 9 and the plunger of FIG. 15.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the administering tool of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the administering tool of FIG.20.

FIG. 24 is another bottom perspective view of the administering tool ofFIG. 20 with a restrictor plate.

FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of a cap of the metering dispenserof FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the administering tool of FIG. 20 witha threaded nozzle.

FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the administering tool of FIG.26.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the metering dispenser of FIG. 1 withthe administering tool of FIG. 26 and a flip-top cap in an openposition, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the metering dispenser of FIG. 1 withthe administering tool of FIG. 26 and a flip-top cap in a closedposition, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the metering dispenser of FIG. 1 with aspout incorporated into the administering tool, according to certainembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the metering dispenser of FIG. 1 with acollection device incorporated into the administering tool and adropper, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the administering tool of FIG. 20 witha plurality of protrusions.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the metering dispenser of FIG. 1 with aruler and marks along the body.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a child resistant receptacle, accordingto certain embodiments of the present invention, for use with themetering dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of the child resistant receptacle ofFIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a side view of a child resistant receptacle with a capremoved, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, foruse with the metering dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 37 is an internal perspective view of a cap for use with the childresistant receptacle of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a side view of the child resistant receptacle of FIG. 36 withthe cap installed.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the child resistant receptacle of FIG.36 with the cap installed.

FIG. 40 is a side view of a child resistant receptacle with a capremoved, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, foruse with the metering dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 41 is an internal perspective view of a cap for use with the childresistant receptacle of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a side view of the child resistant receptacle of FIG. 40 withthe cap installed.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the child resistant receptacle of FIG.40 with the cap installed.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a metering dispenser, according tocertain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a body of the metering dispenser ofFIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the body of FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a top view of a base of the metering dispenser of FIG. 44.

FIG. 48 includes side views of a drive screw without a blocked section,and a drive screw with a blocked section, according to certainembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is describedhere with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but thisdescription is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of theclaims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, mayinclude different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction withother existing or future technologies. This description should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among orbetween various steps or elements except when the order of individualsteps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

FIGS. 1-31 show certain embodiments of a metering dispenser 10 accordingto the present invention for dispensing a flowable composition 20. Theflowable composition 20 may include but is not limited to creams orsemi-solid emulsions such as oil-in-water creams and water-in-oilcreams, gels, sols, colloids, suspensions, solutions, liquids withpositive viscosity such as syrups, or other suitable flowablecompositions or medicaments.

In certain embodiments, a dispenser 10 may have the following maincomponents: a body 100, a base 200, a drive screw 300, a plunger 400incorporating a fluid seal, an administering tool 500, and a cap 600.Some or all of the parts that comprise the dispenser 10 may be formed ofmaterials including but not limited to polymer, plastic, composite, orother formable or moldable material.

In certain embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 and 44-45, thebody 100 comprises an outer wall 102, an inner wall 104, a first end106, and a second end 108. In certain embodiments, the body 100 may beformed of any suitable material including but not limited to acetalresin, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene, other plastics, composites, or other suitablematerials. The inner wall 104 defines a chamber 110 that may beconfigured to hold the flowable composition 20. In certain embodiments,the chamber 110 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape and theplunger 400 may have any suitable plunger cross-sectional shape thatwill allow the inner wall 104 of the chamber 110 and the plunger 400 toform a fluid seal and interlock with one another in a way that preventsthe plunger 400 from freely rotating within the chamber 110, which isdescribed in more detail below. For example, the chamber 110 and theplunger 400 may have any suitable interlocking shapes including but notlimited to oval, elliptical, triangle, rectilinear, parabolic,hexagonal, other polygons, irregular circles, or any other interlockingshapes.

The first end 106 may include an external upper rim 112. The externalupper rim 112 may be configured to couple to the administering tool 500,which is described in more detail below.

The second end 108 may include a plurality of tabs 114 projectingdownward from a body plate 116. In certain embodiments, the tabs 114 areelongated strips that are configured to elastically bend and return toan unbent or relaxed position after an external force is removed. Theplurality of tabs 114 may be concentrically arranged around an aperture118 extending through a central location on the body plate 116.

The second end 108 may further comprise a plurality of projections 120also projecting downward from the body plate 116. The projections 120may also be concentrically arranged around the aperture 118 and may bepositioned equidistant between two of the plurality of tabs 114 and/ormay be positioned closer to one of the plurality of tabs 114. In certainembodiments, the projections 120 may also be spaced farther away from orcloser to the aperture 118 than the tabs 114. There may be fewer, thesame, or a greater number of tabs 114 than projections 120. In certainembodiments, the projections 120 may be shorter than the tabs 114, butmay also be the same or similar height or taller than the tabs 114 asneeded.

The second end 108 may further include an external lower rim 122. Theexternal lower rim 122 may be configured to couple to the base 200,which is described in more detail below.

In certain embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 and 46-47, thebase 200 comprises a bottom portion 202, a sidewall 204, bushing 206,and a cam 208.

An upper edge 210 of the sidewall 204 may comprise a lip 212 that isconfigured to mate with the external lower rim 122 of the body 100. Incertain embodiments, the lip 212 and the external lower rim 122 may beconfigured to couple via a snap-fit, screw, latch, or other suitablemechanical fastening design. In certain cases, the coupler forrotational engagement with the base 200 comprises at least one splinefor engagement with at least one groove in the base 200.

The bushing 206 may extend upwardly from the bottom portion 202. Anaperture 214 may extend through the bushing 206. A circumferential innersurface 216 of the bushing 206 may comprise a plurality of teeth thatare configured to interlock with similarly shaped teeth on a cog 314 ofthe drive screw 300, which is discussed in more detail below.

In certain embodiments, the cam 208 is arranged around a circumferentialouter surface 218 of the bushing 206, as shown in FIG. 7, but in otherembodiments, may be arranged around an inner perimeter 234 of thesidewall 204, as shown in FIG. 47. The cam 208 may comprise a pluralityof ratchet steps 220 that may be configured to induce radial bending ofat least one of the tabs 114 when the base 200 is coupled to theexternal lower rim 122 of the body 100 and rotated between home or“click” positions.

For example, the cam 208 may be shaped to fit within the tabs 114 (asshown in FIGS. 6-8) or around the tabs 114 (as shown in FIGS. 46-47) sothat the tabs 114 ride along the cam 208 as the base 200 rotates. Thecam 208 may include at least one low point 222 that is shaped so thatthe cam 208 does not exert sufficient radial force on the tab 114 thatis positioned within the low point 222, which allows the tab 114 toremain in a non-bent or relaxed position.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the cam 208 comprises thesame number of low points 222 as tabs 114. In other embodiments, asshown in FIGS. 46-47, the cam 208 may comprise fewer low points 222, butwhich are wide enough to accommodate more than one tab 114 at any giventime. The low points 222 are positioned so that all tabs 114 arepositioned within a low point 222 when the cam 208 is in a home or“click” position. As a result, in these embodiments, in one completerotation, the cam 208 comprises as many home or “click” positions asthere are tabs 114. For example, in embodiments that comprise four tabs114, the cam 208 may have four home or “click” positions within onecomplete rotation of the cam 208. In other embodiments that comprisemore than four tabs 114 (such as the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.44-45), the cam 208 may have as many home or “click” positions withinone complete rotation of the cam 208 as there are tabs 114. In certainembodiments, the engagement between the tabs 114 and the cam 208 resultsin home positions at predetermined angular positions around one completerotation of the cam 208.

At least one of the low points 222 may comprise a saw-toothed shape,wherein a leading edge 224 has a somewhat gradually inclining slopedshape that facilitates movement of the tab 114 in the direction of theleading edge 224, and wherein a trailing edge 226 has a squared orotherwise steep slope that resists movement of the tab 114 in thedirection of the trailing edge 226. As a result, the tab 114 locks withthe trailing edge 226 of the low point 222 to prevent rotation of thebase 200 in the direction of the trailing edge 226 when at least one tab114 is positioned within the low point 222 having the saw-toothed shape.

In certain embodiments, at least one cam lobe 228 is positioned betweentwo of the low points 222. Some or all of the cam lobes 228 may have thesame contoured surface or each cam lobe 228 may have a differentcontoured surface, depending on the purpose for each cam lobe 228.

For example, as the cam 208 rotates from a home or “click” position,each tab 114 that is positioned proximate a cam lobe 228 may be moved upthe leading edge 224 of the low point 222 and onto the cam lobe 228(unless the low point 222 does not include a leading edge 224). In somecases, particularly where the purpose of the cam lobe 228 is to radiallybend the tab 114 away from the relaxed position in the low point 222,the cam lobe 228 may have a minimally declining sloped shape to ensurethat the tab 114 is sufficiently radially bent so as to emit an audible“click” when the tab 114 travels from the cam lobe 228 and down thetrailing edge 226 of the next low point 222 (unless the next low point222 does not include a trailing edge 226).

In other embodiments, at least one of the cam lobes 228 may be shaped toprovide a gradually declining sloped shape that meets with a leadingedge 224 of a low point 222. In these embodiments, such a low point 222may not comprise a trailing edge 226 (or the trailing edge 226 is shapedto follow substantially the same gradually declining sloped shape of thecam lobe 228). As a result, these low points 222 are not configured toprevent the base 200 rotating in the direction of the trailing edge 226when at least one tab 114 is positioned within a low point 222 that isconfigured in this manner.

In yet other embodiments, at least one of the low points 222 may notcomprise a leading edge 224 (or the leading edge 224 is shaped so as tofollow the same slope of the leading cam lobe 228). In theseembodiments, the low point 222 meets with the cam lobe 228 without theleading edge 224 transition therebetween.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of protrusions 230 may be coupled tothe inner perimeter 234 of the sidewall 204 (as shown in FIGS. 6-8) orto an circumferential outer surface 218 of the cam 208 (as shown inFIGS. 46-47). At least one of the plurality of protrusions 230 may bepositioned to encounter at least one of the projections 120 located onthe body plate 116 of the body 100, as the base 200 is returning to oneof the home or “click” positions. The protrusion 230 is bent by theprojection 120 as the protrusion 230 travels over the projection 120.The protrusion 230 and the projection 120 are positioned so that theprotrusion 230 clears the projection 120 and emits an audible sound or“click” when the protrusion 230 returns to an unbent position when thebase 200 reaches the next home or “click” position. Thus, in certainembodiments, the interaction between at least one of the protrusions 230and at least one of the projections 120 may provide the audible sound or“click” response, while the interaction between at least one of the tabs114 and the cam 208 merely provide the anti-reverse rotation feature. Inother embodiments, the interaction between at least one of theprotrusions 230 and at least one of the projections 120 may provide aback-up audible sound or “click” to the audible sound or “click” that isalso produced by the interaction between at least one of the tabs 114and the cam 208.

In certain embodiments, the bottom portion 202 of the base 200 mayoptionally include one or more feet 232 extending outwardly from thebottom portion 202 to assist in stabilizing the dispenser 10 when in astanding position and to facilitate gripping of the base 200 by a user.

As briefly mentioned above, the base 200 couples to the drive screw 300.The drive screw 300 also couples to the body 100.

In certain embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 9-15, the drivescrew 300 comprises an elongated shaft 302 having at least one externalthread 304, a first end 306, and a second end 308. In certainembodiments, a first side of a screw plate 310 is coupled to the secondend 308. A first end of a coupling body 312 is then coupled to a secondside of the screw plate 310, and the cog 314 is then coupled to a secondend of the coupling body 312. The cog 314 may further comprise a lip 316that is positioned between the coupling body 312 and the cog 314.

In certain embodiments, the drive screw 300 is integrally formed as asingle piece. In these embodiments, the cog 314 may be formed with asplit spine to allow ease of removal from a mold without resulting indamaged teeth that could otherwise prevent the cog 314 from properlyfitting with the bushing 206.

In certain embodiments, at least one tapering finger 124 may bepositioned around an outer side of a lip 126 of the aperture 118 in thebody plate 116 of the body 100. These tapering fingers 124 may bearranged so as to project in a direction away from the chamber 110.

The drive screw 300 is inserted into the body 100 so that the cog 314passes through the aperture 118 in the body plate 116. The taperingfingers 124 may be shaped so that insertion of the cog 314 exertspressure against the tapering fingers 124, thereby causing the openingformed by the tapering fingers 124 to slightly expand to allow the cog314 to pass therethrough. Once the cog 314 passes through the taperingfingers 124, the pressure against the tapering fingers 124 is released,and the tapering fingers 124 are then arranged along the coupling body312 so that tips of the tapering fingers 124 contact the lip 316 of thecog 314. The combination of the tapering fingers 124, the shape of thecog 314, and the body plate 116 form a radial engagement structure thatmaintains the position of the drive screw 300 within the body 100.

At this point, the second side of the screw plate 310 located at thefirst end of the coupling body 312 is positioned adjacent an inner sideof the body plate 116 of the body 100 so that the screw plate 310overlaps an inner side of the lip 126 of the aperture 118. The bodyplate 116 is positioned to prevent the drive screw 300 from passing anyfurther through the aperture 118. In certain embodiments, such as wherethe flowable composition 20 is a positive viscosity liquid, a seal maybe formed between the plates 116, 310 to prevent leakage as needed.

Because the combined length of the thickness of the aperture 118 and thetapering fingers 124 approximates a longitudinal length of the couplingbody 312, the coupling body 312 is locked into place by the contactbetween the plates 116, 310 on the inside of the chamber 110 and thecontact between the tapering fingers 124 and the lip 316 of the cog 314.

Because of the arrangement of the tapering fingers 124 on the outside ofthe chamber 110, the tapering fingers 124 may only be compressed by aforce that pushes the cog 314 toward the chamber 110. Application offorce to the cog 314 in a direction away from the chamber 110 will notcompress the tapering fingers 124 and will therefore be preventedthrough the rigid mating of the plates 116, 310.

Once the cog 314 is positioned outside the tapering fingers 124, the cog314 is inserted within the bushing 206 of the base 200. This insertionalso positions the tabs 114 arranged on the body plate 116 of the body100 along the surface of the cam 208 on the base 200, and may alsoposition the projections 120 arranged on the body plate 116 of the body100 into rotational alignment with the protrusions 230 on the base 200.The lip 212 of the base 200 is then coupled to the external lower rim122 of the body 100.

As discussed above, the base 200 is configured so that rotation betweenhome or “click” positions along the cam 208 applies an outward radialforce to at least one of the tabs 114. In certain instances, if there isany flexibility in the coupling between the body 100 and the base 200,the force applied by the cam 208 to the at least one tab 114 mayalternatively and/or additionally apply a longitudinal force to the atleast one tab 114, thereby causing the body 100 to move away from thebase 200. Such a movement may also result in a longitudinal movement ofthe plunger 400 within the chamber 110, which may cause leaks or otherinaccuracies in metered metering, which is discussed in detail below.

To ensure that the force applied by the cam 208 to the at least one tab114 does not result in longitudinal movement of the chamber 110 relativeto the plunger, the tapering fingers 124 are oriented outward andoutside of the chamber, thus eliminating the ability of the chamber 110to move relative to the plunger 400 in a direction away from the base200.

To the extent that the force applied by the cam 208 nevertheless resultsin application of a longitudinal force being applied to the at least onetab 114, the cog 314 may not be longitudinally coupled to the bushing206, which allows the base 200 to longitudinally travel along a lengthof the cog 314 as needed. As a result, the cog 314 may be inserted intothe bushing 206 and circumferentially coupled to the bushing 206 via theinterlocking teeth on the cog 314 and the bushing 206.

In certain embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 15-19, the plunger400 comprises a centrally located threaded aperture 402 that isconfigured to couple to the elongated shaft 302 of the drive screw 300.As discussed above, the plunger 400 is shaped to snugly fit within thechamber 110 without freely rotating within the chamber 110 when the base200 is turned. In certain embodiments, the chamber 110 may be formedwith a longitudinal draft that results in some variation in size fromtop to bottom, with the bottom typically being slightly smaller incross-sectional area than the top. Also, there may be some variation insizes among chambers 110 and plungers 400. Therefore, the plunger 400 isconfigured with a flexible design that provides a fluid seal along theentire length of the chamber 110 and between variations ranging fromapproximately 0.01% to approximately 25% in cross-sectional area alongthe longitudinal draft of the chamber 110.

The Table below summarizes variation measurement amount various chambersizes that were tested with the plunger 400 design. The testingconfirmed that there was a fluid seal between the plunger 400 and thechamber 110 as the plunger traveled along the longitudinal draft of thechamber 110.

TC7 TC15M TC35 TC140 Cross-sectional area 0.377 0.584 1.069 2.819 at topof chamber (in²) Cross-sectional area 0.322 0.523 0.966 2.578 at bottomof chamber (in²) % Variation 16.90% 11.70% 10.59% 9.36%

In these embodiments, the plungers 400 may be formed to have a greaterdegree of flexibility that allows the plunger 400 to bend or compress asneeded to form a fluid seal inside smaller cross-section areas, and toflex or expand as needed to form a fluid seal inside largercross-section areas. In certain embodiments, the plunger 400 comprisesan annular fluid member 404 that comprises a flexible design configuredto flexibly bend, compress, flex, and/or expand as needed to allow theplunger 400 to maintain a fluid seal over variations ranging fromapproximately 0.01% to approximately 25% in cross-sectional area alongthe longitudinal draft of the chamber 110.

To provide flexibility within the body of the plunger 400 itself, theplunger may have a curved or domed top surface 406 and a sidewall 408that forms an inner wall 410 defining an interior space 412. In certainembodiments, the top surface 406 may at least one channel 414, which isarranged to mate with at least one reinforcing rib 502 in theadministering tool 500 to prevent residual flowable compositions 20 frombeing trapped between the plunger 400 and the administering tool 500.

The fluid member 404 may comprise at least one annular lip 416, mayfurther comprise at least two annular lips 416, and may include up threeor more annular lips 416 as needed to create a fluid seal between theplunger 400 and the inner wall 104 as the plunger 400 travels along theelongated shaft 302 through the chamber 110. In these embodiments, anupper lip 416A may be configured to flex in a direction toward the firstend 106 of the body 100 along the inner wall 104 of the chamber 110 toprovide the fluid seal, and a lower lip 416C may be configured to flexin a direction toward the second end 108 of the body 100 along the innerwall 104 of the chamber 110 to provide stability and/or anti-rotationalsupport. A middle lip 416B may be configured to be arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to the inner wall 104 of the chamber 110and/or may be configured to flex in the direction of either the firstend 106 or the second end 108 of the body 100 as needed to also providestability and/or anti-rotational support.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 19A-19B, the plunger 400and/or the chamber 110 may not be perfectly shaped to interlock in amanner that prevents all rotational movement of the plunger 400 withinthe chamber 110. As a result, small gaps 418 may form in certain spacesbetween the plunger 400 and the inner wall 104 of the chamber 110. Toprevent such minor rotational movements, as illustrated in FIG. 19C, atleast one anchor 420 may be positioned on at least one leading orlagging rotational point on the plunger 400. For example, in theembodiments where the plunger 400 is oval-shaped, the anchor 420 may bepositioned just to the leading rotational side or the lagging rotationside of at least one apex 422 of the plunger 400 so that the anchor 420will encounter the inner wall 104 when a rotational force is applied tothe plunger 400 by the drive screw 300 and prevent the plunger 400 fromradial movement within the chamber 110. The anchor 420 may have adiameter of 0.005-0.010 inches. In particular, the anchor 420 acts likea take-up spring to further prevent rotation, which keeps the upper lip416A from distorting.

In further embodiments, an O-ring 424 may be positioned proximate atleast one of the annular lips 416 to assist with and/or to provide afluid seal between the plunger 400 and the chamber 110.

In certain embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 22, 26, 28, 32, and44, the administering tool 500 may comprise a curved or domed topsurface 504 having at least one hole 506 therein and a sidewall 508. Thesidewall 508 may include an inner groove 510 which can be coupled to theexternal upper rim 112 on the body 100. In these embodiments, the innergroove 510 and the external upper rim 112 may be configured to couplevia a snap-fit, screw, latch, or other suitable mechanical fasteningdesign. As discussed above, the administering tool 500 may comprise aplurality of reinforcing ribs 502 positioned on an underside of the topsurface 504. In other embodiments, such as where the flowablecomposition 20 is a positive viscosity liquid, the administering tool500 may be a nozzle or other device to pour the liquid into a cup ordirectly into a mouth of a patient.

In certain embodiments, as best illustrated in FIG. 24, a restrictorplate 512 may be incorporated into the administering tool 500 to changethe size and/or number of holes 506 to accommodate flowable compositions20 of differing viscosities. For example, a highly viscous composition(such as a topical cream) may require more holes and/or larger holes topass through the administering tool 500, whereas a less viscouscomposition (such as cough syrup) may require fewer holes and/or smallerholes to prevent the composition from spraying out of the administeringtool 500 when the base 200 is rotated.

In certain embodiments, flowable compositions 20 having a higherviscosity and/or a stickier composition may experience a greaterpressure than less viscous and/or less sticky flowable compositions asthe plunger 400 is pressed upward. The higher pressure build-up maycause the administering tool 500 to disengage from the body 100 beforethe plunger 400 has reached the end of the threads 304 of the drivescrew 300. For example, when a flowable composition 20 having aviscosity and stickiness of creamy peanut butter is placed in thedispenser 10, the pressure build-up from the flowable composition 20will force the administering tool 500 to disengage from the body 100when the plunger 400 is still approximately 5-6 clicks from reaching theadministering tool 500.

To alleviate this side effect, in certain embodiments, the drive screw300 may be replaced with a drive screw 300A, as shown in FIG. 49. Inthese embodiments, the top 1-3 threads 304 have been mechanically fusedto form a blocked section 318, which prevents the plunger 400 fromtraveling above this point on the drive screw 300A. As a result, theplunger 400 is unable to continue to press against the flowablecomposition 20, and the pressure does not build to the point that theadministering tool 500 is removed from the body 100. This design leavesapproximately 2 mL of residual flowable composition 20 between theplunger 400 and the administering tool 500 for the flowable compositions20 having a higher viscosity and/or a stickier composition. However,this same design may be utilized with less viscous and/or less stickyflowable compositions 20 and there is minimal or no residual compositionremaining between the plunger 400 and the administering tool 500.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 25, the cap 600 is sized tosnugly fit over the administering tool 500 to prevent contamination ofthe pad and to reduce evaporation of the flowable composition 20.

In additional embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 26-29, theadministering tool 500 may be configured to include a threaded nozzle514, which may be used in place of the at least one hole 506 and/or maybe an extension thereof. The nozzle 514 may be configured to couple tovaginal, rectal, and/or oral dispensing applicators. Such a designallows these applicators to be loaded with the flowable composition 20in a much cleaner and precise manner. In these embodiments, the cap 600may be configured as a flip-top design that snaps over the administeringtool 500, as shown in FIGS. 28-29.

In certain embodiments, such as those embodiments shown in FIG. 30, theadministering tool 500 may include a spout 518 with holes 520 that isconfigured to allow a child or person to ingest the flowable composition20 directly from the administering tool 500. These embodiments of theadministering tool 500 may be useful in cases where the flowablecomposition 20 is a positive viscosity liquid that is orally ingested.

In additional embodiments, such as those embodiments shown in FIG. 31,the administering tool 500 may include a cup or other collection device522 that couples to the top of the administering tool 500 and collectsthe flowable composition 20 when it is dispensed. The flowablecomposition 20 collected in the collection device 522 may be ingesteddirectly from the collection device 522 or may be transferred from thecollection device 522 to a recipient via a dropper 524.

Once the dispenser 10 is assembled but prior to coupling of theadministering tool 500, the chamber 110 is filled with the appropriatemeasured amount of flowable composition 20. The base 200 is turned sothat the drive screw 300 turns and advances the plunger 400 and flowablecomposition 20 toward the first end 106 of the body 100. Theadministering tool 500 is then snapped onto the top of body 100. Thebase 200 is turned and the plunger 400 is advanced until there isessentially no air inside the chamber 110 between the flowablecomposition 20 and the administering tool 500. The cap 600 is placed onthe administering tool 500 and the dispenser 10 is ready for use.

The user removes the cap 600 and turns the base 200 the appropriateamount of clicks (typically as directed on the instructions given to theuser by the dispensing physician or pharmacy). As the base 200 isturned, the tabs 114 flex and move over the cam 208 as described above,and/or at least one protrusion 230 moves toward at least one projection120. As the at least one tab 114 reaches the trailing edge of the lowpoint 222 and/or the at least one protrusion 230 passes over the atleast one projection 120, at least one audible sound or “click” is heardwhen the base 200 reaches a home or “click” position. Also, the user maysense a vibration when the base 200 reaches a home or “click” position.

With each click, a predetermined amount of flowable composition 20 isforced by the rising plunger 400 to be dispensed through the holes 506and/or nozzle 514 of the administering tool 500. In the embodimentswhere the flowable composition 20 is an emulsion, cream, or othersemi-solid composition, the dispensed flowable composition 20 may form abead or pool over the central area of the top surface 504 of theadministering tool 500. The user applies the flowable composition 20 tothe skin by rubbing the administering tool 500 on the skin. The flowablecomposition 20 at least partially spreads out over the top surface 504and is rubbed into the skin.

In certain embodiments where the flowable composition 20 is applied tothe skin, as illustrated in FIG. 32, the top surface 504 of theadministering tool 500 may further include a plurality of protrusions516, which may increase blood flow to the skin surface to accelerateabsorption of the flowable composition 20. An increased rate ofabsorption may be beneficial in cases where patients do not rub thenecessary 1-2 minutes as needed to ensure that the flowable composition20 is dry and absorbed. The protrusions 516 may have any suitable shapeinclude rounded, elliptical, or other suitable shapes.

The tactile and/or audible sound or click heard as the base 200 in turnprovides feedback as to how much flowable composition 20 is dispensed.For example, the prescription might be for 1 cc of flowable composition20 per dose to be applied to the skin. If each click is 0.25 cc, forexample, then the prescription might instruct the user to turn the base200 to hear four clicks so as to dispense 1 cc of flowable composition20. The design of the present invention substantially prevents reverserotation of the base 200 with respect to the body 100 so that flowablecomposition 20 is not inadvertently sucked back into the dispenser 10,which may reduce the effective dosage dispensed and may contaminate theflowable composition 20 in the chamber 110. The click also providespositive feedback when the right amount of flowable composition 20 hasbeen dispensed per turn.

Optionally, as best illustrated in FIG. 25, the cap 600 may havedownward projecting protrusions 602 which are receivable within theholes 506 of the administering tool 500. The protrusions 602substantially seal the holes 506 when the cap 600 is in place, therebyreducing the risk of contamination of the flowable composition 20 andpreventing clogging of the holes 506. Preferably, the cap 600 has aregistering means to align with the administering tool 500 to makealignment of the protrusions 602 and the holes 506 easier.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser 10 of the present invention mayoptionally include a vibration mechanism whereby the dispenser 10 and,in particular, the administering tool 500 area vibrates when activatedso as to improve transfer of the flowable composition 20 to the skin.The vibration mechanism may be one of several possible mechanisms knownto those skilled in the art.

The dispenser of the present invention may also include an indicatormechanism either to show the approximate number of remaining doses or toshow when the chamber 110 is near empty, both so that the user can haveadvance awareness that a refill may be needed.

In certain embodiments of an indicator, shown in FIG. 33, a dispenser 10may have a ruler 700 with set of marks 702 along the side of the body100, with each mark being correlated to a particular quantity offlowable composition 20 remaining in the dispenser 10. In theseembodiments, the body 100, or at least a portion thereof (such as anelongated window extending from near the first end 106 to near thesecond end 108) is preferably clear or translucent.

In the present invention, a child resistant receptacle 800 may beincorporated with the dispenser 10 to prevent children from accessingthe flowable composition 20. In certain embodiments, as best illustratedin FIGS. 34-35, the child resistant receptacle 800 comprises an upperend 802, a lower end 804, and a sidewall 806 that connects the two ends802, 804. The sidewall 806 is configured to substantially surround theouter wall 102 of the body 100, the sidewall 204 of the base 200, andthe sidewall 508 of the administering tool 500 (which may be covered bythe cap 600).

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 34-35, when the child resistantreceptacle 800 is positioned over the dispenser 10, the sidewall 806 islongitudinally shaped so that the upper end 802 is positioned proximatethe top surface 504 of the administering tool 500 (which may be coveredby the cap 600), wherein the upper end 802 may have a cross-sectionalshape that snugly fits over the top surface 504 of the administeringtool 500 and/or the cap 600. In certain embodiments, the upper end 802may comprise an opening 808 that is smaller than the cross-sectionalshape of the administering tool 500 and/or the cap 600 to prevent thedispenser 10 from sliding through the opening 808, while at the sametime providing an access point to press the dispenser 10 down throughthe lower end 804 when the lower end 804 is deformed, which is discussedin more detail below. In certain embodiments, the opening 808 may beconfigured to accommodate the administering tool 500 that includes thenozzle 514. The opening 808 may also save on material costs tomanufacture the child resistant receptacle 800.

When the child resistant receptacle 800 is positioned over the dispenser10, the sidewall 806 is also longitudinally shaped so that the lower end804 is positioned proximate the bottom portion 202 of the base 200. Thelower end 804 may have an oval or parabolic cross-sectional shape,wherein the narrower dimension of the lower end 804 is configured to fitsnugly against portions of the sidewall 204 of the base 200.

The lower end 804 may further comprise an opening 810 that comprisessubstantially the same dimensions as the lower end 804.

To secure the child resistant receptacle 800 to the dispenser 10, a pairof lips 812 may be positioned on opposing sides 814 of the opening 810along the narrower dimension of the opening 810. Because the narrowerdimension of the opening 810 is configured to fit snugly againstportions of the sidewall 204 of the base 200, the lips 812 thereforeextend below the bottom portion 202 of the base 200, thereby preventingthe dispenser 10 from passing through the opening 810.

The child resistant receptacle 800 may be formed of materials includingbut not limited to polymer, plastic, composite, or other formable ormoldable material, which provide some elasticity to allow at least thelower end 804 to be slightly deformed when an external pressure isapplied to opposing sides 816 of the opening 810 along the widerdimension of the opening 810. When deformed, the opposing sides 816 arepressed against portions of the sidewall 204 of the base 200, which inturn causes the opposing sides 814 of the opening 810 to move away fromthe sidewall 204 of the base 200, thus also causing the pair of lips 812to also move away from the bottom portion 202 of the base 200. In thisdeformed shape, the dispenser 10 may then slide out of the opening 810,which is also shaped to allow the body 100, the administering tool 500,and/or the cap 600 to slide therethrough.

To reinsert the dispenser 10 into the child resistant receptacle 800, anexternal pressure is again applied to opposing sides 816 of the opening810 along the wider dimension of the opening 810 to deform the shape ofthe opening 810 until the opposing sides 814 of the opening 810 havebeen sufficiently spread apart to move the pair of lips 812 out of theway so that the dispenser 10 may be inserted through the opening 810.The external pressure is applied to opposing sides 816 to maintain theopening 810 in the deformed position until the dispenser 10 has beeninserted completely inside the child resistant receptacle 800 and thebottom portion 202 is above the lips 812. The external pressure is thenreleased, and the opening 810 returns to the original shape, whichcauses the opposing sides 814 of the opening 810 to move back toward andcontact portions of the sidewall 204 of the base 200, thus also causingthe pair of lips 812 to be positioned below the bottom portion 202 ofthe base 200.

In certain embodiments, portions of the sidewall 806 may includeapertures 818, which may provide access points to press the dispenser 10down through the lower end 804 when the lower end 804 is deformed, asdescribed above. The apertures 818 may also save on material costs tomanufacture the child resistant receptacle 800.

The sidewall 806 may also comprise a pair of grippers 820 located onopposing sides of the sidewall 806. The grippers 820 may be included toprovide some additional force against the body 100, especially where thebody 100 may comprise an oval or elliptical shape, and the grippers 820are configured to be located proximate the wider dimension of the body100. In other embodiments, the grippers 820 may be located proximate thenarrower dimension of the body 100. The grippers 820 are also configuredwith an elastic design that allow the grippers 820 to bend out of theway during insertion/removal of the dispenser 10 as needed, but returnto their relaxed position once the dispenser 10 has been inserted orremoved.

In further embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, the childresistant receptacle 800 comprises a lower portion 822 and a cap 824.The lower portion 822 comprises the upper end 802 and the lower end 804,and the sidewall 806 that connects the two ends 802, 804. The sidewall806 is configured to substantially surround the outer wall 102 of thebody 100, the sidewall 204 of the base 200, and the sidewall 508 of theadministering tool 500 (which may be covered by the cap 600).

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 36-39, when the dispenser 10 ispositioned within the lower portion 822, the sidewall 806 islongitudinally shaped so that the upper end 802 is positioned proximatethe top surface 504 of the administering tool 500 (which may be coveredby the cap 600). The lower end 804 may have a cross-sectional shape thatsnugly fits over the bottom portion 202 of the base 200. In certainembodiments, the lower end 804 may comprise the opening 810, which maybe smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the bottom portion 202 ofthe base 200 to prevent the dispenser 10 from sliding through theopening 810, while at the same time providing an access point to pressthe dispenser 10 up through the upper end 802 when the cap 824 isremoved, which is discussed in more detail below. The opening 810 mayalso save on material costs to manufacture the child resistantreceptacle 800.

The upper end 802 may further comprise the opening 808, which may belarger than the largest cross-sectional shape of the dispenser 10 (or atleast the largest cross-section shape of the dispenser 10 that isconfigured to fit inside the lower portion 822) to allow the dispenser10 to be inserted into the lower portion 822 through the opening 808.

To secure the child resistant receptacle 800 to the dispenser 10, thecap 824 is secured to the upper end 802 of the lower portion 822. Theupper end 802 of the lower portion 822 comprises external helicalthreads 826 that extend around the circumference of the upper end 802.The upper end 802 is also circumferentially segmented such that itincludes a pair of diametrically opposed rigid sections 828 and a pairof diametrically opposed identical levers 830 positioned between therigid sections 828. The levers 830 are configured to bend inwardly whenpressure is applied to an outer surface 832 of the levers 830. Incertain embodiments, the levers 830 comprise a locking tab 834 thatextends from a top surface of the lever 830.

The cap 824 comprises internal helical threads 836 that extend aroundthe internal circumference of a sidewall 838 of the cap 824. Thesidewall 838 also includes a pair of diametrically opposed lockingmembers 840 positioned above the internal helical threads 836. Eachlocking member 840 comprises a leading edge 842 and a trailing edge 844.The leading edge 842 has a somewhat gradually inclining sloped shapethat facilitates movement of the locking tab 834 in the direction of theleading edge 842, and wherein the trailing edge 844 has a squared orotherwise steep slope that resists movement of the locking tab 834 inthe direction of the trailing edge 844.

The child resistant receptacle 800 may be formed of materials includingbut not limited to polymer, plastic, composite, or other formable ormoldable material. In some embodiments, the materials for the lowerportion 822 may provide some elasticity to allow at least the lever 830to be slightly deformed when an external pressure is applied and/or thathave the resiliency to form a living hinge between the lever 830 and thesidewall 806.

To attach the child resistant receptacle 800 to the dispenser 10, thedispenser 10 is inserted through the opening 808 in the upper end 802 ofthe lower portion 822. The cap 824 is then positioned over the upper end802 and turned so that the complementary helical threads 826, 836 engagewith one another. As the cap 824 is turned, the locking tabs 834 areguided over the locking members 840 by the leading edge 842, wherein thetapered design gradually presses the levers 830 inward as the cap 824 isturned. Once the lever 830 has cleared the trailing edge 844 of thelocking member 840, the lever 830 snaps back to its original position.The shape of the trailing edge 844 engages a side of the locking tab 834to prevent the cap 824 from turning in the opposite direction.

To remove the dispenser 10 from the child resistant receptacle 800, anexternal pressure is applied to the levers 830, which presses the levers830 inward so that they are no longer engaged by the trailing edges 844of the locking members 840. The cap 824 can then be turned in theopposite direction, thus disengaging the complementary helical threads826, 836 from one another. The cap 824 can then be removed so that thedispenser 10 can be removed through the opening 808 in the lower portion822.

In still further embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 40-43, thechild resistant receptacle 800 again comprises a lower portion 822 and acap 824. The lower portion 822 comprises the upper end 802 and the lowerend 804, and the sidewall 806 that connects the two ends 802, 804. Thesidewall 806 is configured to substantially surround the outer wall 102of the body 100, the sidewall 204 of the base 200. In some embodiments,the sidewall 806 may also be configured to substantially surround thesidewall 508 of the administering tool 500 (which may be covered by thecap 600).

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 40-43, when the dispenser 10 ispositioned within the lower portion 822, the sidewall 806 islongitudinally shaped so that the upper end 802 is positioned proximatethe external upper rim 112.

The lower end 804 may have a cross-sectional shape that snugly fits overthe bottom portion 202 of the base 200. In certain embodiments, thelower end 804 may comprise the opening 810, which may be smaller thanthe cross-sectional shape of the bottom portion 202 of the base 200 toprevent the dispenser 10 from sliding through the opening 810, while atthe same time providing an access point to press the dispenser 10 upthrough the upper end 802 when the cap 824 is removed, which isdiscussed in more detail below. The opening 810 may also save onmaterial costs to manufacture the child resistant receptacle 800.

The upper end 802 may further comprise the opening 808, which may belarger than the largest cross-sectional shape of the dispenser 10 (or atleast the largest cross-section shape of the dispenser 10 that isconfigured to fit inside the lower portion 822) to allow the dispenser10 to be inserted into the lower portion 822 through the opening 808.

To secure the child resistant receptacle 800 to the dispenser 10, thecap 824 is secured to the upper end 802 of the lower portion 822. Theupper end 802 of the lower portion 822 is circumferentially segmentedsuch that it includes a pair of diametrically opposed rigid sections 828and a pair of diametrically opposed identical levers 830 positionedbetween the rigid sections 828. The levers 830 are configured to bendinwardly when pressure is applied to an outer surface 832 of the levers830. In certain embodiments, the levers 830 comprise a locking tab 834that extends from a top surface of the lever 830. Each locking tab 834may comprise a leading edge 846 and a trailing edge 848. The leadingedge 846 has a somewhat gradually inclining sloped shape that isconfigured to allow the cap 824 to slide down over the locking tabs 834,and wherein the trailing edge 848 has a squared or otherwise steep slopethat resists movement of the cap 824 in the direction of the trailingedge 848.

The cap 824 comprises a pair of diametrically opposed identical slots850 that are shaped to receive the portion of the locking tab 834 thatextends between the leading edge 846 and the trailing edge 848.

The child resistant receptacle 800 may be formed of materials includingbut not limited to polymer, plastic, composite, or other formable ormoldable material. In some embodiments, the materials for the lowerportion 822 may provide some elasticity to allow at least the lever 830to be slightly deformed when an external pressure is applied and/or thathave the resiliency to form a living hinge between the lever 830 and thesidewall 806.

To attach the child resistant receptacle 800 to the dispenser 10, thedispenser 10 is inserted through the opening 808 in the upper end 802 ofthe lower portion 822. The cap 824 is then positioned over the upper end802 and pressed down so that the edge of the cap 824 gradually pressesthe locking tabs 834 inward as the cap 824 passes over the locking tabs834. As the cap 824 continues to travel down over the locking tabs 834,the locking tabs 834 also travel along the sidewall 838 of the cap 824until reaching the slots 850. Once the trailing edge 848 of the lockingtab 834 has cleared the sidewall 838 of the cap 824 and is positioned inthe slot 850, the lever 830 snaps back to its original position. Theshape of the trailing edge 848 engages a side of the slot 850 to preventthe cap 824 from being removed from the lower portion 822.

To remove the dispenser 10 from the child resistant receptacle 800, anexternal pressure is applied to the levers 830, which presses the levers830 inward so that they are no longer engaged by the slots 850. The cap824 can then be removed so that the dispenser 10 can be removed throughthe opening 808 in the lower portion 822.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings ordescribed above, as well as components and steps not shown or describedare possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are usefuland may be employed without reference to other features andsub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described forillustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodimentswill become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the presentinvention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depictedin the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the claims below.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A metering dispenser comprising: a bodycomprising: a first end; a second end opposite from the first end; and achamber between the first end and the second end; a plunger within thechamber and movable between the first end and the second end; and adrive screw comprising an elongated shaft defining an end of the drivescrew and extending into the chamber, and wherein the elongated shaftcomprises: a first portion within the chamber and having at least oneexternal thread; and a second portion within the chamber between thefirst portion and the end of the drive screw, wherein the second portionis unthreaded, wherein movement of the drive screw moves the plungeralong an axis within the chamber between the first end and the secondend.
 2. The metering dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a basecoupled to the body, a plunger that is movable within the chamber, andan administering tool engaged with the first end of the body.
 3. Themetering dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plunger is coupled to theelongated shaft.
 4. The metering dispenser of claim 1, wherein the drivescrew extends through the plunger.
 5. The metering dispenser of claim 1,wherein the first end of the body defines a chamber opening providingaccess to the chamber, wherein the second end of the body comprises anend wall that at least partially defines the chamber of the body.
 6. Themetering dispenser of claim 5 wherein the end wall of the second enddefines an aperture, and wherein the drive screw extends through theaperture.
 7. The metering dispenser of claim 1, further comprising abase rotationally coupled to the second end of the body, wherein the endof the drive screw is a first end, wherein the drive screw furthercomprises a cog defining a second end of the drive screw, and whereinthe base is coupled to the cog of the drive screw.
 8. A meteringdispenser comprising: a body comprising: a first end; a second endopposite from the first end; and a chamber between the first end and thesecond end; a plunger within the chamber and movable between the firstend and the second end, wherein the plunger comprises a first end and asecond end, wherein the first end comprises an end surface, wherein asidewall extends from the first end to the second end, wherein a ribextends outwards from the sidewall of the plunger and is an outermostextent of the plunger between the first end and the second end; and adrive screw comprising an elongated shaft defining an end of the drivescrew and extending into the chamber, wherein the drive screw is coupledto the plunger, wherein movement of the drive screw moves the plungeralong an axis within the chamber between the first end and the secondend.
 9. The metering dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a baserotationally coupled to the second end of the body.
 10. The meteringdispenser of claim 8, wherein the drive screw comprises a first end, asecond end, and an elongated shaft, wherein the elongated shaftcomprises the second end of the drive screw, wherein the elongated shaftcomprises an outer surface comprising a first portion having at leastone external thread and a second portion between the first portion andthe second end, and wherein the second portion is unthreaded.
 11. Themetering dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a plunger positionedwithin the chamber and coupled to the elongated shaft of the drive screwsuch that the plunger is movable along the elongated shaft through thechamber when the drive screw is rotated.
 12. The metering dispenser ofclaim 8, wherein the end wall of the second end defines an aperture. 13.The metering dispenser of claim 8, wherein the drive screw extendsthrough the plunger.
 14. The metering dispenser of claim 8, wherein therib is a first rib, and wherein the plunger comprises a plurality ofribs between the first end and the second end.
 15. The meteringdispenser of claim 14, wherein a profile of the first rib is differentfrom a profile of another rib of the plurality of ribs.
 16. The meteringdispenser of claim 8, wherein a length of the drive screw is greaterthan a length of the body.